British Gas emergency direct debit helpline

Commenting on the launch of British Gas' emergency direct debit helpline, Scott Byrom, utilities manager at moneysupermarket.com said: "Following a spate of complaints from direct debit paying customers shocked by an increase to their monthly bill, it is encouraging to see British Gas making an attempt to help its customers. Most households use the bulk of their energy around the winter months and, if you are already in credit to your supplier, it can be confusing to suddenly see your estimated monthly bill go through the roof. However, customers can mitigate any nasty surprises to their bill if, where possible, they look to manage their energy account online. All the big six energy suppliers allow you to do this and customers can keep a close eye on their consumption to make sure they don't over or under pay. It also enables customers to provide "actual" meter readings quickly, rather than risk the dreaded "estimated" bill which can always lead to billing problems."